It’s no secret that ridesharing is a difficult job that requires a lot of grit. With stressful driving conditions, unruly passengers, and more complications, it’s best to be as prepared as possible any day that you plan to work, which is when car accessories come in handy.
To help make sure you’ve got the tools you need to make the process as easy as possible, we’ve rounded up this list of car accessories to make ridesharing smoother.
As always, take these recommendations with a grain of salt and only opt for what makes the most sense for you!
New to ridesharing? Read our Complete Guide to the Gig Economy
1. A Good Phone Mount
One of the most important car accessories to get when ridesharing is a good phone mount.
A quality phone mount will securely hold your smartphone in place so that you can easily access it for navigation purposes or just quickly glance at incoming messages and notifications.
Additionally, having your phone close by means that it’s out of reach from potential thieves. If you’re new to rideshare driving, a quality phone mount is a must.
2. An Auxiliary Cable (Aux Cord)
If you plan on listening to music in your car while ridesharing, an auxiliary cable is a must-have accessory.
An auxiliary cable allows you to connect your smartphone or mp3 player directly to different audio systems such as the radio system in your car.
This means no need for CDs or tapes; all you have to do is plug in and start playing your favorite tunes!
If your car is not equipped with Bluetooth (and even if it is), an aux cord makes the process of connecting easier and keeps passengers happy!
3. A Phone Charger
With so much technology being used while ridesharing, it’s important to make sure you have a car charger handy.
A car charger allows you to charge your phone when it’s running low on battery, ensuring that you don’t get stuck without a way to navigate or access messages.
But you’ll not only want to have a charger that fits your phone. Make sure to carry an extra so that passengers can use it in a pinch and different types that fit the most popular types of phone. Better yet, opt for a multi-phone charger.
4. USB Car Adapter
For those times when you need to plug in more than just your phone, having an additional USB car adapter is one of the essential car accessories.
This car accessory can be used for charging devices such as tablets and laptops, or even providing additional power for dashcams.
If you can, try to find an adapter that has more than one plug-in so that you can have more than one item charging at a time.
5. First Aid Kit
Safety should always come first, which is why having a first aid kit in your car is a must. This way, you’ll be prepared for any minor injuries that may occur while riding with passengers, such as cuts or scrapes.
You can either purchase an already put-together kit or put your own kit together that has everything you need.
The kit should at least have band-aids, gauze, pain medication, and similar basic inclusions. However, the more in-depth you go, the better prepared you’ll be in case of an emergency.
6. Air Freshener
Nobody likes to be in a stinky car, so make sure you have an air freshener on hand. This can be anything that will help keep your car smelling fresh and inviting.
Not only will this help with the smells of previous passengers, but it also helps to set the tone for future ones as well!
Nowadays, there are more options for keeping your car smelling well than ever before.
Depending on your desired effect, you might have a rearview hanging freshener or opt for a vent clip that continually blows scented air into the car. The options are never-ending – just make sure to pick one!
7. Weather Mats
Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, having weather mats in your car is also practical.
Weather mats keep the floors of your car clean and protect it against ice, snow, mud, and other potentially messy substances that can be tracked into your car by passengers.
Make sure to get a set of quality weather mats that are specifically designed for your make and model; this way you can ensure the perfect fit and maximum protection against outdoor elements.
Your riders will feel more comfortable knowing they’re not damaging your car by simply getting in and you’ll love not having to clean as often or deeply.
Additional Reading: Gig Worker Guide: How to Safely Rideshare & Deliver in Inclement Weather
8. Portable Vacuum
If you’re a rideshare driver, it is important to keep your car clean in order to ensure the comfort of your passengers.
To make this process easier, keeping car accessories like a portable vacuum on-hand will help get rid of any dirt or debris that may have been left behind.
This way, you can quickly clean up after each ride and keep your car presentable, no matter how busy you are.
Not only does this help with appearances but having a vacuum on-hand also helps to maintain the value of your car. Plus, a clean car is likely to earn higher ratings than a dirty one!
9. Dash Cam
Having a dash cam in your car can help to provide an extra level of protection.
Dash cams are helpful for providing evidence in the event of an accident, as well as capturing any unusual or potentially hazardous situations that may arise while on a ride.
Many modern dash cams have features such as night vision and motion detection, which help to ensure that they capture what they need to.
Make sure to explore the features and find a dash cam that fits both your needs and budget! For double protection, try to get one that faces forward and backward to make sure you have eyes on all sides of your vehicle.
Price can vary greatly when it comes to dash cams, but if you’re going to invest, get one that does everything you need – such as night vision. When it comes to car accessories for peace of mind, dash cams are a top choice.
10. Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency car kit in your vehicle for any roadside emergencies. This way, you’ll be prepared for any potential roadside issues that may come up.
Your car kit should include a flashlight, jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, road flares, and other useful items. Having this safety gear on hand can help to get you out of a bind and make sure that everyone gets home safely.
11. Snow Removal Tool (if applicable)
If you often drive in snowy climates, having a snow removal tool on hand is essential.
A tool like an ice scraper or snow brush, preferably a two-in-one, is great for quickly and safely removing any snow or ice from your windshield.
This way, you can keep a clear view of the road and make sure that each ride goes smoothly.
Even if the forecast doesn’t call for it where you are, always make sure to carry the tool, as you never know where your next driver will take you or how the weather might shift.
12. Comfort Tools
When it comes to ridesharing, comfort can make the difference between a pleasant experience and an unpleasant one.
Having comfort tools such as a seat cushion and/or headrest can help to give you a more comfortable ride and ultimately improve your overall experience.
Not only that, but these items also help to reduce fatigue and back pain for long rides. Shifts can last for hours, which means sitting for hours and hours unmoved.
Don’t make things difficult by failing to get the right comfort tools in your car.
13. In-car Trash Can
Having an in-car trash can may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference.
Passengers often leave garbage behind that needs to be disposed of, and having a designated container for this purpose is key to avoiding clutter in the car.
Investing in a quality trash can will pay off, as you won’t have to constantly clean up after your passengers or yourself.
The Takeaway
These are just a few of the car accessories you can get in order to make ridesharing smoother for both you and your passengers.
Whether it be something to make passengers happen to bring in higher tips or to make your long hours in the car just a little bit more peaceful, there’s something for everyone.
With some thoughtful planning, you can ensure that all of your rides go as smoothly as possible.
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